Oct 22 Federal Government Shutdown Negotiations at Standstill as Child Nutrition Benefits Remain at Risk
(October 22, 2025)
Spending negotiations to end the government shutdown failed to advance for the third week as the Senate version of the bill lacks bipartisan support and the House continues to be on recess. A key sticking point in the budget negotiations remains the extension of the enhanced tax credit, which helps offset subsidy costs as part of Marketplace (Pennie) insurance. As the open enrollment period for Marketplace insurance looms on November 1 and states, including Pennsylvania, have posted subsidy rates, advocates say the deadline to act on extending these healthcare tax credits is fast approaching. As these negotiations drag on, children and families that receive nutrition benefits will start to see a real impact of the government shutdown.
Child Nutrition Benefits Remain at Risk
Some federally funded child nutrition programs such as SNAP and WIC are able to operate for a short time during a shutdown period thanks to Contingency Funds. This is, however, not a long term solution, and as we near the end of October, program funding becomes more tenuous.
Earlier this month, the White House announced that it would provide funds to help continue WIC operations. In combination with WIC’s standard contingency fund and the other limited federal funds on hand this is projected to stabilize the program through October 31. However, numerous states are projected to exhaust their resources for WIC benefits as early as next month.
While most families are not feeling the direct impact of the shutdown yet, WIC advocates warn that families could lose access to WIC benefits as soon as November 1 unless additional emergency funds are dispensed by next week. The National WIC Association has estimated that the program will need $300 million to sustain program operations through the first two weeks of November.
Families are encouraged to continue using benefits and attending appointments with WIC, and should follow their state WIC website for updates.
SNAP benefits, which support nutrition for about 16 million children nationwide and more than 2 million Pennsylvanians, will likely experience significant interruptions if funding is not provided by the end of the month. The USDA has told states that there is not enough money to pay the full amount of benefits in November and asked states to hold November payments. No further updates have been provided by USDA at this time.
PA DHS has noted that SNAP benefits will be halted as of October 16 as a result of this. PA DHS is also awaiting confirmation from USDA that if November benefits are delayed, families will still receive the benefits they are entitled to when funds are released.
SNAP Advocates are calling for the USDA to use SNAP contingency reserves and carry over funds, and are asking for transparent guidance from the USDA. In previous shutdowns, the USDA used these contingency and carry over funds to continue distributing benefits.
In the meantime, SNAP recipients are encouraged to use their benefits as normal and they should not change shopping patterns. State offices and phone lines remain open to help recipients. SNAP recipients should also still complete needed eligibility paperwork to help expedite the release of benefits as soon as the shutdown ends. SNAP will continue implementing federal changes as a result of HR1, such as SNAP work requirements.
More information:
Contact your member of Congress here to urge them to pass a government funding bill ensuring no disruptions to the WIC program.
Anyone in need of immediate food assistance is encouraged to call 211, visit feedingpa.org or pa-navigate.org.
Learn more about:
Cristina Codario, Allies for Children Policy Director